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T <br />testing program. In this way, it can be clear whether or not coal exploration activities <br />have impacted nearby water wells. <br />2. As mentioned at our meeting, drilling of core holes in the vicinity of actively <br />producing CBM wells could release large amounts of methane gas at the surface. <br />Pioneer believes it would be prudent for the NOI to detail how the venting of gas will <br />be conducted to protect public health and safety as well as nearby private property, <br />such as CBM wells and facilities. <br />3. Prior to permitting and drilling a CBM well, Pioneer is required by COGCC rules to <br />give notice to individual landowners. In many cases Pioneer will meet with local <br />homeowners and/or their associations to discuss proposed drilling plans. Pioneer <br />believes it is important to keep local citizens involved and that it would be prudent for <br />NECC to meet with homeowners in the vicinity of its proposed activities. <br />4. The NOI should mention the installation of signs on access roads necessary to direct <br />traffic to the correct location and indicate that coal exploration operations are <br />occurring. Pioneer believes that this would prevent confusion between coal <br />exploration activities and Pioneer's operations. Should there be a citizen complaint <br />or an emergency situation, Pioneer would like to ensure that the proper responsible <br />party is contacted. <br />5. Pioneer's lease roads are gated, often locked, and are not open to the public under <br />agreements with private surface owners. The NOI should address how NECC will <br />secure permission from surface owners for access where necessary and how gates and <br />locks will be handled consistent with surface owner requirements and Pioneer's <br />practices. <br />6. Pioneer operates under rules which specify minimum set-backs for drilling equipment <br />from natural gas wells, production and pipeline equipment, as well as from residences <br />and other structures. As a best management practice, the exploration plan detailed in <br />the NOI should follow COGCC set-back requirements, as they are intended to protect <br />public health and safety. <br />7. Pioneer accepts responsibility and repairs road damage caused by our operations. <br />The NOI indicates that existing lease access roads might be used for exploration. The <br />NOI should explicitly recognize that NECC will repair in a timely manner any <br />damage to lease roads (which are private roads) and County roads associated with the <br />exploration program. <br />8. It will be important to notify the surface owner and operator of oil and gas lease <br />roads, prior to use, to ensure that conflicts with oil and gas traffic, heavy equipment, <br />and operations are minimized. Pioneer appreciates the efforts of NECC to work with <br />its Trinidad-Highway 12 Office to address such issues. <br />2